Discovery has recently entered the streaming market with a new platform – discovery+ – following a trend of simple naming conventions by adding a plus sign to the brand. The service became available in the United States on January 4, 2021.

Although Discovery may not possess the same level of brand awareness as companies like Disney, it is positioning discovery+ as the premier destination for authentic, real-life entertainment. At its launch, the service boasts a library of 55,000 episodes sourced from Discovery’s established networks, including HGTV, Food Network, TLC, ID, OWN, Travel Channel, Discovery Channel, and Animal Planet. Furthermore, an agreement with A&E Networks will bring programming from A&E, The History Channel, and Lifetime to the platform.

The streaming service will also include exclusive original content, such as several new programs based on the “90 Day Fiancé” franchise, the American debut of the BBC documentary series “A Perfect Planet,” a topiary design competition titled “Clipped” featuring Martha Stewart as a head judge, and a travel program starring Kevin Hart currently known as “Route 66,” alongside other offerings.

discovery+ has secured an exclusive agreement with Magnolia Network, a collaboration with Chip and Joanna Gaines of “Fixer Upper” fame. Additionally, it will showcase original productions from Group Nine, a digital media company supported by Discovery, encompassing brands like The Dodo, NowThis, and Thrillist.

Prior to its major U.S. release in January, discovery+ was initially launched in the United Kingdom and Ireland through a partnership with Sky last month. The company intends to expand its availability to 21 additional markets throughout 2021. For audiences in Europe, the service will be the official streaming provider for the Olympic Games, beginning with the Tokyo event scheduled for next year.

In the United States, a subscription to discovery+ is priced at $4.99 per month, with an ad-free option available for $6.99 per month. Discovery has also established a collaboration with Verizon to provide select wireless and home internet customers with complimentary access to discovery+ for up to 12 months, depending on their chosen plan. (Verizon is the parent company of TechCrunch.)

David Zaslav, President and CEO of Discovery, released the following statement: